What Are Terpenes And How Do They Benefit Your Health?
by Amelia Graves
When most people think of hemp oil, they think of the beneficial cannabinoids, but there is another group of healing compounds in hemp oil called terpenes that have a wide variety of medicinal benefits.
What Are Terpenes?
Terpene is a classification of dozens of hydrocarbons produced by the hemp plant. There is some confusion over the difference between terpenes and terpenoids. When the flowers of hemp plants are dried, terpenes become terpenoids, which may contain additional beneficial properties. Terpenoids can also be produced through chemical modification of terpenes.
Which Terpenes Are Present in Hemp Oil?
There are dozens of terpenes in hemp oil, but only a few are used medicinally. Some of the most commonly used terpenes are:
Myrcene - This is the most abundant terpene in hemp oil, and one of the most powerful. Myrcene has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, muscle-relaxing, antiseptic, anti-depressant, analgesic, anti-oxidant, and anti-carcinogenic properties. It is used to treat heart conditions, depression, infections, and muscle and joint issues.
Linolool - Linolool has anti-anxiety and sedative powers and is used to treat anxiety disorders and insomnia.
Pinene - This terpene is also a major component of turpentine, and is used to increase mental focus in ADHD patients. Its expectorant and brochodilating properties are useful in the treatment of asthma. Like turpentine, it is also valuable as a topical antiseptic.
Pulegone - This terpene is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that may be helpful in the treatment of Alzheimer's. The drawback is that it can cause liver damage when used in high quantities.
Cineole - This spicy, minty terpene is a brain stimulant that may be useful in the treatment of neurological deficiencies.
Carophyllene - Used in topical clove oil, this terpene has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It may also be helpful in the treatment of potassium ion channel disorders such as congenital hyperinsulinism and short-QT syndrome.
Delta3Carene - This terpene is effective in causing dehydration of excess liquid in the throat, eyes, and ears. It also can be used to treat heavy menstrual bleeding known as menorrhagia.
Limonene - Also found in citrus fruit rinds, this terpene has anti-depressant, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties. Its anti-carcinogenic properties are being studied as a possible cancer treatment.
Research is ongoing on the benefits of hemp oil for many internal and external conditions. In the meantime, it has been found to be a valuable addition to the treatment of joint and muscle pain, anxiety, depression, heart health, and a large number of dermatological issues. When comparing hemp oils for personal use, always choose one that has the highest amount of terpenes for the best results. For more information on hemp oil, contact a company like CBD American Shaman.